Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana Chief Executive Officer Thuto Toise has described the launch of the Botswana Air Access initiative as a major milestone that has helped unlock new routes.
Launched in August 2024 as a strategic and economic necessity, the initiative brought
together key public- and private-sector stakeholders under a single collaborative
program.
These include the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB), Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO), Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC), Business Botswana, Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB), Air Botswana, and Travel Agency Association of Botswana (TAABOT).
Speaking to local media about the upcoming AviaDev Africa 2026 and the Botswana Air Access initiative, Toise said the program has established nonstop connections to key markets and positioned the country as a launchpad for business in the region.
According to Toise, this has led to the introduction of services by regional and continental carriers, including Ethiopian Airlines connecting Maun to Addis Ababa and beyond; Airlink launching a Cape Town–Gaborone service; the return of South
African Airways to Botswana; and Proflight Zambia introducing a seasonal connection between Livingstone and Maun.
“These new flights have a significant impact on capacity, with international seats to Botswana projected to increase from approximately 460,000 in 2024 to 640,000 in 2026,” Toise said, noting this represents a 40 percent increase in available capacity in just two years
He said the rapid progress demonstrates that Botswana is now not only recognized as one of the world’s leading tourist destinations but also as a business hub for the region.
Beyond route development, Toise said the initiative has established a comprehensive
support package for both existing and new airlines.
This includes the provision of passenger and cargo data, coordinated engagement with government stakeholders, route marketing support, and assistance with operational
planning and route launches.
“The objective is not only to attract carriers, but to ensure that all services to Botswana are sustainable and commercially successful,” he said
Looking ahead, Toise said the initiative will deepen engagement in priority markets and unlock opportunities for long-haul services.
“At the same time, we will continue to support and optimise existing routes, including those operated by our national carrier, Air Botswana, ensuring that our network grows in a balanced and sustainable manner,” he said.
“Hosting the 10th edition of AviaDev Africa here in Gaborone is recognition of what we have achieved and an opportunity to tell a new story about Botswana as one of Africa’s most exciting aviation economies.”
AviaDev Africa is widely recognised as the continent’s leading platform for air route
development, bringing together carriers, airports, tourism authorities, and policymakers to negotiate and shape connectivity across Africa and beyond.
The conference is expected to draw leading voices from across the aviation ecosystem
to explore topics such as connectivity, route development strategies, airport-carrier
partnerships, and the future of aviation on the continent.
Toise said more than 20 carriers, spanning regional, continental, and international operators, have indicated interest in participating in AviaDev Africa, scheduled for June 10 to 12, 2026.
Mindful of leaving a lasting legacy beyond the conference room, AviaDev, in partnership with Dare to Dream, will implement a youth-focused outreach program designed to inspire and empower the next generation of aviation professionals in Botswana.
